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Portland is one of my absolute favorite cities, and while I think it’s partially because I spend more time there for business than any other city, I think it’s not unfounded.

One of my (and the world’s) favorite bloggers Joanna Goddard is planning a trip there soon and I figured, might as well put my list of things to do online so instead of forwarding an email around (as I’ve been doing for the past couple years), I can share it more easily.

So a few caveats: I don’t have kids, I rarely leave Portland proper, I’m a vegetarian so most of these restaurants have a veggie option, and I’m not a huge nature fan (hiking, etc). That being said, there are still SO many cool things to do, eat, and drink in Portland.

Food Carts (PDX is known for their food carts – which are kind of like LA’s food trucks but permanent, and often clustered together to take up entire blocks. Some favorites: Dump Truck, Brunch Box, Small Pharaoh)

Screen Door (sit-down, SO GOOD, Cajun/Southern, no reservations)

Pine State Biscuits (breakfast/brunch)

Andina (tapas, downtown, great sangria)

Veritable Quandry (my favorite “nice” restaurants in Downtown –

Pok Pok (thai) – not life changing (like Lotus of Siam in Vegas), but really really good

Mother’s – homey food, great service, nice location in downtown

Luc Luc (vietnamese, downtown)

Blossoming Lotus (tons of clean, veggie options)

Haven’t been, but heard good things: Tasty n Sons/Tasty n Alder for brunch or any time, and Ken’s Artisan Bakery, a little further outside of the city (good if you’re driving from the Bay)

Snacks/Etc

Voodoo donuts is a tourist institution, and a great example of “Keep Portland Weird” – open 24 hours, more touristy, but note that I think the donuts are just okay…

Blue Star Donuts more fancy, more pricey, BUT SO GOOD! (Note they sell out most days, so go early!)